FEDERAL AGENCY:

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

AUTHORIZATION:

Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, Public Law 103-391, 108 Stat. 4094 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq., as amended by the Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act of 1998, Public Law 105-312, 112 Stat. 2956 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.

OBJECTIVES:

To increase conservation of rhinoceros and tigers through strengthening habitat/ecosystem management; surveys and monitoring; conservation education; wildlife inspection, law enforcement and forensic skills; protected area/reserve management; sustainable development in buffer zones surrounding tiger/rhinoceros habitat; management of human behavior and livestock to decrease conflicts with tigers/rhinoceros; and the use of substitutes for tiger/rhinoceros products in oriental medicine. Projects which provide training to strengthen capabilities in these areas will receive priority.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Funds may be used for approved rhinoceros and tiger conservation projects. Projects proposed should have the support of the local government(s) and have matching funds (cash) or in-kind support (salaries, equipment, etc.) provided by the organization receiving the grant or other partners. All non- governmental or private sector project proposals must contain evidence of support by local government entities of countries where the project is to be conducted.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Applicants may be any Federal, State and local government agencies, public or private organizations, non- governmental nonprofit organizations, public an private institutions of higher education, or any other entity with experience in conservation. Projects must provide direct benefits to support research, conservation, management and protection of rhinoceroses and tigers.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Any Federal, State or local government agencies, public or private organizations, non-governmental nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, or any other entity.

Credentials/Documentation:   None.

Pre-application Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Submit requests for proposal packages that contain specific information on the requirements and format to the Chief, Division of International Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, ARLSQ 730, Arlington, VA 22203-1622 USA. Telephone: (703) 358-1754; Fax: 703-358-2849.

Award Procedure:   The Chief, Division of International Conservation (DIC), will select projects to be funded based on established criteria contained in 16 U.S.C. 5301. A grant agreement between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the grantee is drafted by DIC. The agreement is then submitted to the Office of Contracting and General Services (CGS) for processing. CGS then sends the grant agreement to the grantee for signature. Upon return to CGS, the grant agreement is signed by CGS, and is effective on the date of CGS signature.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Decisions on funding of project proposals must be made no later than 180 days after the receipt of the project proposal.

Appeals:   None.

Renewals:   A grant agreement can be modified, extended, or renewed at the discretion of the Chief of Division of International Conservation and the CGS Contracting Officer.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula. To the extent possible, grant funds are matched by nonfederal funds.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Award funds must be spent during the approved budget period and in accordance with DOI/FWS financial and reporting procedures.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Progress and final reports are due in accordance with terms and conditions of the award.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Records for grants awarded to State and Local Governments will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments." Records for grants awarded to institutions of higher education and other nonprofit organizations will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart F, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations."

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   14-5199-0-2-303.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $725,000; FY 02 est $970,000; and FY 03 est $920,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Variable amounts. Due to the limited funding available and the desire to support diverse projects, preference will be given to proposals requesting $30,000 or less but higher amounts may be requested.

During 2001, the Service awarded 23 grants in 10 range countries.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, Public Law 103-391, 108 Stat. 4094 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq., as amended by the Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act of 1998, Public Law 105-312, 112 Stat. 2956 et seq., 16 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:  
See Regional Agency Offices.

Headquarters Office:  
Chief Division of International Conservation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Department of the Interior, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: IA, Falls Church, Virginia 22041-3803 Email: MSCF_RhinoTiger@fws.gov Phone: (703) 358 1754 Fax: (703) 358 2115

Web Site Address:  
http://www.fws.gov/international/wildlife-without-borders/rhino-and-tiger-conservation-fund.html

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Projects generally strengthen habitat and ecosystem management, help create protected areas, assist local communities in buffer zones surrounding rhino and tiger habitat, and support monitoring and law enforcement activities. For example, a grant of $32,400 was awarded to the Asian Rhino Specialist Group to establish and operate three rhino protection units for one year in Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, for the protection of the Sumatran rhino population of the park.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for scope, significance to rhinoceros and tiger conservation, feasibility and cost-effectiveness.